Uganda’s national basketball team, the Silverbacks, have intensified preparations ahead of the 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, with center Jonathan Komagum declaring the team’s determination to bounce back from their disappointing Afrobasket campaign last year.
The team is already in Alexandria, Egypt, for a training camp as they gear up for the first qualification window set to tip off later this week.
Uganda has been drawn in a challenging Group D alongside Angola, Egypt and Mali.
The Silverbacks head into the qualifiers seeking redemption after a difficult outing at the 2023 Afrobasket tournament in Angola, where they finished bottom of their group following defeats to Senegal, Mali and Egypt.
“We did not do well in our last outing, things did not go as planned, but we want to do better this time and make our country proud,” Komagum said.
The hardworking center was one of Uganda’s standout performers on the boards in Angola, averaging an impressive 13 rebounds per game.
However, his offensive production dipped significantly. Komagum managed just 5.3 points per game and struggled at the free-throw line, converting only two of his eight attempts throughout the tournament.
Reflecting on his performance, Komagum acknowledged the need for improvement.
“I have been working on my game as well and trying to improve my shots. Hopefully, I am better on the line this time,” he added.
He expressed optimism about the team’s preparations in Alexandria, praising the intensity and commitment shown by the squad in camp.
“We are doing well in training so far, putting in the hard work and trying to do what the coaches are telling us.”
The Silverbacks have been boosted by the arrival of naturalised guard Sibande Dejur Nike, who jetted into camp on Saturday.
Meanwhile, Deng Gui is expected to link up with the team on Monday, completing coach Goran Lojo’s roster ahead of the opening games.